[The clinical use of antilymphocyte globulin (ALG) (author's transl)]

ALG is mainly used for immunosuppressive treatment following organ transplants. Controlled clinical trials demonstrated the efficacy of ALG in kidney, bone marrow and skin transplantation. Pilot studies describe a therapeutic effect in human autoaggression. A possible therapeutic effect, however, depends upon the strict observation of the following criteria: 1. Adequate dosage (20 mg/kg and more). 2. Intravenous application. 3. Suppression of sensitization against xenogeneic globulin by induction of immunological unresponsiveness before ALG-treatment (prevention of allergic complications and increase of ALG efficacy). Previously published negative results with ALG can be explained by failure to comply with the above criteria.